How Does God View Politics? The Answer is Surprising.

This is an Article written by my husband Pastor John Davis. I wholeheartedly agree with the truths shared in this article. I hope you will read and ask the Lord to reveal His truth to you.
Eboni

When the Son of Man comes, will He find FAITH on the Earth?

In Luke 18: 8 Jesus asks an alarming question: "When the Son of Man comes, will he find FAITH on the earth?" Many people just believe that Jesus is saying will He find "people believing in Him on the earth" but Faith is not YOUR belief system, Faith is the View and Perspective of God..
.

What Jesus is saying is that when He comes, will He find ANYONE with His View and His Perspective working in them on the earth. Our world is filled with various opinions and views on a whole lists of different topics, but opinions rule wherever people do not know or comprehend Truth. Opinions matter whenever Self is still the dominating ruling factor in your life.

Last night our great country re-elected its first African American President in the history of our nation. Many are excited, hopeful and over-joyed as rightfully as they should...it is truly a remarkable accomplishment as to how much our country has changed since the days of the "Jim Crow" Laws of the 60s. But with that being said, politics was NEVER God's solution in solving the problems of humanity...HIS solution has always resided in His Son Jesus Christ dying on the Cross for the sin of the world!!

If God was interested in politics or political leaders, then why didn't He send Christ to be "president", "prime minister" or a great political activist? If God wanted a people who would "change" the world then why didn't He empower Israel IN Egypt, instead of delivering them OUT OF Egypt? If God wanted the Body of Christ to look to politics as the solution then why not allow Peter, James and John and the rest of His Disciples to seek public office? No, politics was NEVER God's solution, in fact, politics is something invented BY man who willingly rejects GODS SOLUTION to his condition!

Politics is what we have when we try to "Self-govern" ourselves instead of looking to the Cross of Jesus Christ as the ONLY solution to humanities problems. Politics is what Israel created within themselves called the Pharisees and the Sadducces (a two-party system) because they refused the Salvation offered to them through the Finished Work of the Cross! Ladies and Gentlemen, politics is what WE create and then blindly look to when we simply do not know Christ as our Life, not just our Savior, but absolutely everything that we have come to know and comprehend as Life itself!

The question still remains, "when Christ comes will He find HIS VIEW AND HIS PERSPECTIVE working in you" or will He find personal opinions, political rhetoric, or self governance being the ruling factor in your Life? What happens when the Body of Christ, the Church, spends more time DEFENDING their political leader and says absolutely NOTHING to our friends, family and co-workers as they continue to mock and blaspheme the Name of Jesus Christ? Jude says "we are to earnestly CONTEND FOR THE FAITH THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED", not for our political ideology. (Selah)

Let me leave you guys with something...Jesus said "that a kingdom DIVIDED against itself cannot stand". In light of where we are as a nation, I would say that we are pretty much divided against ourselves, which means that we are DESTINED to FALL, not rise as a nation if we do not unite around GODS SOLUTION to our problem, instead of the voting IN or OUT who WE THINK is the solution. And that solution is the Cross of Jesus Christ and the Life that ONLY resides in Him! Hope I didn't offend anyone, but I just had to share what was on my heart...Love u guys and be Blessed!

Pastor John Davis

www.totalvictoryexperience.com

This is an Article written by my husband Pastor John Davis. I wholeheartedly agree with the truths shared in this article. I hope you will read and ask the Lord to reveal His truth to you.
Eboni

When the Son of Man comes, will He find FAITH on the Earth?

In Luke 18: 8 Jesus asks an alarming question: "When the Son of Man comes, will he find FAITH on the earth?" Many people just believe that Jesus is saying will He find "people believing in Him on the earth" but Faith is not YOUR belief system, Faith is the View and Perspective of God..
.

What Jesus is saying is that when He comes, will He find ANYONE with His View and His Perspective working in them on the earth. Our world is filled with various opinions and views on a whole lists of different topics, but opinions rule wherever people do not know or comprehend Truth. Opinions matter whenever Self is still the dominating ruling factor in your life.

Last night our great country re-elected its first African American President in the history of our nation. Many are excited, hopeful and over-joyed as rightfully as they should...it is truly a remarkable accomplishment as to how much our country has changed since the days of the "Jim Crow" Laws of the 60s. But with that being said, politics was NEVER God's solution in solving the problems of humanity...HIS solution has always resided in His Son Jesus Christ dying on the Cross for the sin of the world!!

If God was interested in politics or political leaders, then why didn't He send Christ to be "president", "prime minister" or a great political activist? If God wanted a people who would "change" the world then why didn't He empower Israel IN Egypt, instead of delivering them OUT OF Egypt? If God wanted the Body of Christ to look to politics as the solution then why not allow Peter, James and John and the rest of His Disciples to seek public office? No, politics was NEVER God's solution, in fact, politics is something invented BY man who willingly rejects GODS SOLUTION to his condition!

Politics is what we have when we try to "Self-govern" ourselves instead of looking to the Cross of Jesus Christ as the ONLY solution to humanities problems. Politics is what Israel created within themselves called the Pharisees and the Sadducces (a two-party system) because they refused the Salvation offered to them through the Finished Work of the Cross! Ladies and Gentlemen, politics is what WE create and then blindly look to when we simply do not know Christ as our Life, not just our Savior, but absolutely everything that we have come to know and comprehend as Life itself!

The question still remains, "when Christ comes will He find HIS VIEW AND HIS PERSPECTIVE working in you" or will He find personal opinions, political rhetoric, or self governance being the ruling factor in your Life? What happens when the Body of Christ, the Church, spends more time DEFENDING their political leader and says absolutely NOTHING to our friends, family and co-workers as they continue to mock and blaspheme the Name of Jesus Christ? Jude says "we are to earnestly CONTEND FOR THE FAITH THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED", not for our political ideology. (Selah)

Let me leave you guys with something...Jesus said "that a kingdom DIVIDED against itself cannot stand". In light of where we are as a nation, I would say that we are pretty much divided against ourselves, which means that we are DESTINED to FALL, not rise as a nation if we do not unite around GODS SOLUTION to our problem, instead of the voting IN or OUT who WE THINK is the solution. And that solution is the Cross of Jesus Christ and the Life that ONLY resides in Him! Hope I didn't offend anyone, but I just had to share what was on my heart...Love u guys and be Blessed!

Pastor John Davis

www.totalvictoryexperience.com

14 Years and Counting: Honest Look Into Marriage and How We Make It Work.

Well it is that time again. This past June my husband and I celebrated 14 years of marriage. Gosh it does not seem like we have been married that long. I guess that is a good thing because it's a sign that I am not dreading our marriage because the years are flying by as opposed to drudging on. :-) I have to say over these 14 years of marriage I have learned a few things and I sit here in a place where I am content. My idea of marriage at 19 (the age I was when I got married) and my idea of marriage now 14 years later are totally different.

I used to think that marriage was this fairy tale relationship that you see on TV and in the movies, but it's not, actually it's better. Many people see my husband and I and they wonder what do we do to have a great marriage, and I have often thought about that as well. After much thought I think this is our secret... God first, then commitment and respect, in that order. My 19 year old self would have answered that by saying LOVE LOVE LOVE, but I now see it differently. My husband and I love each other as most couples who marry do, but it's not the love that will keep you together. There are couples who divorce everyday who love each other. I have noticed that regardless of what we go through we are committed to make this marriage work, and that commitment causes us to WORK through our issues. Commitment causes you to humble yourself and face some tough truths about yourself. It also encourages you to remain open to commit those things to the Lord, and allow him to work out of you. I think it is God working through us that causes us to love each other enough to work through the issues, but it's us who actually do the work. Marriage is not easy, and it has it's peaks and valleys, but if you will stay committed during the valley's you can make it back to the peaks.

You have to learn your spouse, as well as learn yourself. I think I have finally learned my husband and learned myself, and accepted him for who he is. These last few years have been a time of discovery and acceptance. When I got married, I married an idea of a person, but not the actual person. I think I was so enamored with the great things that I loved about my husband that I over looked our differences in hopes that he would change. If I would change one thing about our period of engagement that would be the thing I would change. I entered our marriage hoping he would change and not accepting him JUST AS HE IS. I said this in last years anniversary blog, that my husband and I are complete opposites personality wise and that causes conflict at times. However, even with the differences I have to say he is the perfect person for me. I have learned to appreciate the things that I love most about him and not focus so much on our differences. He is not perfect, I am not perfect, by far, and I am sure that we have many of the same issues that other marriages have, but even through that I would marry him all over again.

Instead of a fairy tale idea of my husband and our marriage, I now 14 years later have reached a place where I accept my husband as he is and am learning to love our differences. Even with us being complete opposites I can say what I appreciate most about my husband it is that he is solid. He is not flaky or a fly by night. I can count on him to be consistent, to be a man of his word, and to be a rock. He is SOLID. He isn't perfect, he makes mistakes, but even in his mistakes I ALWAYS know he loves me, respects me and will ultimately do right by me and our children.

                                  I can say he is my life partner and I will love him for life. 

Well it is that time again. This past June my husband and I celebrated 14 years of marriage. Gosh it does not seem like we have been married that long. I guess that is a good thing because it's a sign that I am not dreading our marriage because the years are flying by as opposed to drudging on. :-) I have to say over these 14 years of marriage I have learned a few things and I sit here in a place where I am content. My idea of marriage at 19 (the age I was when I got married) and my idea of marriage now 14 years later are totally different.

I used to think that marriage was this fairy tale relationship that you see on TV and in the movies, but it's not, actually it's better. Many people see my husband and I and they wonder what do we do to have a great marriage, and I have often thought about that as well. After much thought I think this is our secret... God first, then commitment and respect, in that order. My 19 year old self would have answered that by saying LOVE LOVE LOVE, but I now see it differently. My husband and I love each other as most couples who marry do, but it's not the love that will keep you together. There are couples who divorce everyday who love each other. I have noticed that regardless of what we go through we are committed to make this marriage work, and that commitment causes us to WORK through our issues. Commitment causes you to humble yourself and face some tough truths about yourself. It also encourages you to remain open to commit those things to the Lord, and allow him to work out of you. I think it is God working through us that causes us to love each other enough to work through the issues, but it's us who actually do the work. Marriage is not easy, and it has it's peaks and valleys, but if you will stay committed during the valley's you can make it back to the peaks.

You have to learn your spouse, as well as learn yourself. I think I have finally learned my husband and learned myself, and accepted him for who he is. These last few years have been a time of discovery and acceptance. When I got married, I married an idea of a person, but not the actual person. I think I was so enamored with the great things that I loved about my husband that I over looked our differences in hopes that he would change. If I would change one thing about our period of engagement that would be the thing I would change. I entered our marriage hoping he would change and not accepting him JUST AS HE IS. I said this in last years anniversary blog, that my husband and I are complete opposites personality wise and that causes conflict at times. However, even with the differences I have to say he is the perfect person for me. I have learned to appreciate the things that I love most about him and not focus so much on our differences. He is not perfect, I am not perfect, by far, and I am sure that we have many of the same issues that other marriages have, but even through that I would marry him all over again.

Instead of a fairy tale idea of my husband and our marriage, I now 14 years later have reached a place where I accept my husband as he is and am learning to love our differences. Even with us being complete opposites I can say what I appreciate most about my husband it is that he is solid. He is not flaky or a fly by night. I can count on him to be consistent, to be a man of his word, and to be a rock. He is SOLID. He isn't perfect, he makes mistakes, but even in his mistakes I ALWAYS know he loves me, respects me and will ultimately do right by me and our children.

                                  I can say he is my life partner and I will love him for life. 

Family Summer Vacation 2012

This year we went to Pigeon Forge Tennessee for vacation. OMG the way we ended up in Tennessee is a story all in itself. We were originally supposed to go to Washington D.C. and tour the White House, Pentagon, Capital and Bureau of Engraving. However the Saturday before we were scheduled to leave we got news that a long standing member of our church, Mother Matthew had passed and because her funeral was on a day where we would be on vacation we had to change our destination so we could make it back by Saturday for the funeral. (The life of a Pastor...your life is not your own) 

God is the best landscaper!

So we decided last minute to change to Tennessee.  I love going to Tennessee for vacation because the scenery is absolutely gorgeous and whenever we go we always take the scenic route (85 to 985) through the mountains. 

We love to stop at the look out points to capture the beauty of God's hands.

My husband John and our kids.

Me with my daughter and niece.              

We stayed at the resort at Governors Crossing. It has a great pool. My kids are creatures of the sea so whatever hotel we stay at has to have a great pool.

A lot of the hotels in Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg have very small pools, so you have to do your research when booking your hotel.

They have both an indoor and outdoor pool both with great slides.

My son walking the water logs and my daughter climbing up to go next.

My kids about to slide.

 Whenever we go on vacation we love to really partake of the destination. So I try and choose activities that my entire family would enjoy. Gatlinburg/ Pigeon Forge is a great family destination spot. What I love most about it is that it is beautiful has a plethora of nature activities, and has a bunch of stuff for the kids to do. Our week was packed with fun activities. First up on the docket was Wonder Works Museum.

This destination was OK. We didn't enjoy the museum that much but they have a magic show which we attended that we really enjoyed.  They have this space walk activity where you are suspended from a harness in air and have to do a maze of ropes. It is pretty scary so I chickened out, but my son and niece completed it.

My neice Shekinah on the space rope.

My son Alex doing it. You can't tell from the picture but this is pretty high up,.

wonder works has a couple of activities. I give it about a 4 out of 10 for fun.

This was the best part of wonder works, The Terry Evanswood Magic Show. He is a Christian magician. (don't ask me how lol), but in the middle of the show he stops and gives a 10 minute talk to the audience about how magic isn't real it's all just an illusion and how God has been good to him and how is so thankful for God and who he is in his life.






Next up on the docket was whitewater rafting. This was SUPER fun!!! I can not stress how much fun we had. We got to swim in the river and jump off rocks. The best part was no one fell out of our boat. It was a bit intimidating at first because the guide does this talk that really scares you, he covers what happens if you fall out the boat or if the entire raft flips over. All of us were like uh oh do we really want to do this. But I prayed and asked God to protect us and not let anyone fall out and no one in our group fell out. 

I think our faces tell it all, FUN FUN FUN!

We got soaked which is good for a hot summer day. The water feels totally different than beach water.

Another activity that we love to do while in Gatlinburg is walk the strip. The strip is filled with activities, restaurants, desert parlors, shopping, many things to keep you occupied. Our favorite thing to do is to get a sausage and funnel cake. The cook these grilled sausages with peppers and onion on this outdoor grill delicious...and the funnel cakes are scrumptious. If yo love spinach dip try Blaines, they have really good spinach dip. In Pigeon Forge if you want a great burger go to Five Guys, they have really great burgers.

My husband and daughter always hand in hand, she loves her daddy.

At one of the restaurants on the strip. There are many to choose from. 

I would really recommend Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge to families as a vacation destination. It is affordable and has a lot to offer for activities, dinning, and family fun!

This year we went to Pigeon Forge Tennessee for vacation. OMG the way we ended up in Tennessee is a story all in itself. We were originally supposed to go to Washington D.C. and tour the White House, Pentagon, Capital and Bureau of Engraving. However the Saturday before we were scheduled to leave we got news that a long standing member of our church, Mother Matthew had passed and because her funeral was on a day where we would be on vacation we had to change our destination so we could make it back by Saturday for the funeral. (The life of a Pastor...your life is not your own) 

God is the best landscaper!

So we decided last minute to change to Tennessee.  I love going to Tennessee for vacation because the scenery is absolutely gorgeous and whenever we go we always take the scenic route (85 to 985) through the mountains. 

We love to stop at the look out points to capture the beauty of God's hands.

My husband John and our kids.

Me with my daughter and niece.              

We stayed at the resort at Governors Crossing. It has a great pool. My kids are creatures of the sea so whatever hotel we stay at has to have a great pool.

A lot of the hotels in Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg have very small pools, so you have to do your research when booking your hotel.

They have both an indoor and outdoor pool both with great slides.

My son walking the water logs and my daughter climbing up to go next.

My kids about to slide.

 Whenever we go on vacation we love to really partake of the destination. So I try and choose activities that my entire family would enjoy. Gatlinburg/ Pigeon Forge is a great family destination spot. What I love most about it is that it is beautiful has a plethora of nature activities, and has a bunch of stuff for the kids to do. Our week was packed with fun activities. First up on the docket was Wonder Works Museum.

This destination was OK. We didn't enjoy the museum that much but they have a magic show which we attended that we really enjoyed.  They have this space walk activity where you are suspended from a harness in air and have to do a maze of ropes. It is pretty scary so I chickened out, but my son and niece completed it.

My neice Shekinah on the space rope.

My son Alex doing it. You can't tell from the picture but this is pretty high up,.

wonder works has a couple of activities. I give it about a 4 out of 10 for fun.

This was the best part of wonder works, The Terry Evanswood Magic Show. He is a Christian magician. (don't ask me how lol), but in the middle of the show he stops and gives a 10 minute talk to the audience about how magic isn't real it's all just an illusion and how God has been good to him and how is so thankful for God and who he is in his life.






Next up on the docket was whitewater rafting. This was SUPER fun!!! I can not stress how much fun we had. We got to swim in the river and jump off rocks. The best part was no one fell out of our boat. It was a bit intimidating at first because the guide does this talk that really scares you, he covers what happens if you fall out the boat or if the entire raft flips over. All of us were like uh oh do we really want to do this. But I prayed and asked God to protect us and not let anyone fall out and no one in our group fell out. 

I think our faces tell it all, FUN FUN FUN!

We got soaked which is good for a hot summer day. The water feels totally different than beach water.

Another activity that we love to do while in Gatlinburg is walk the strip. The strip is filled with activities, restaurants, desert parlors, shopping, many things to keep you occupied. Our favorite thing to do is to get a sausage and funnel cake. The cook these grilled sausages with peppers and onion on this outdoor grill delicious...and the funnel cakes are scrumptious. If yo love spinach dip try Blaines, they have really good spinach dip. In Pigeon Forge if you want a great burger go to Five Guys, they have really great burgers.

My husband and daughter always hand in hand, she loves her daddy.

At one of the restaurants on the strip. There are many to choose from. 

I would really recommend Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge to families as a vacation destination. It is affordable and has a lot to offer for activities, dinning, and family fun!

I Am Troubled By What I See

Hi Everyone,

I had to blog today about something that is very disturbing to me that I am noticing about the hearts of the people today. This spirit of arrogance that is so prevalent in our society. I find it funny that some people think that how THEY think about it, is what matters. As if just because THEY think it, that makes it truth. Listen, that includes ME. I come face to face with truth every day, and have to make a decision of whether I am going to hold on to what I think, or am I going to go with what GOD is saying.  However, not everyone is willing to do that. Some people have this attitude of, "Well, I hear you but I don't think that," or, "I don't see it like that," or, "I don't agree with that." AS IF just because YOU don't see it like that THAT, it's not real.  People this type of attitude only hurts YOU.

I want to talk to you about something that I call "The Thomas Principle". You can actually set your heart to NOT believe. Some people have the attitude of "I will NOT believe it unless I see it". The problem with this type of believe system is some of the things that you have shut your hearts off to believing are for your own good and protection. If you wait to see it to believe, it maybe TO LATE.

God is a faithful God, He will always warn The Body of Christ. John 16:13  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. However, we as the people have to heed the warnings. 

There is a story in the book of John about Thomas, a disciple who set his heart to NOT believe. John Chap. 20 tells the story of Jesus' ascension to the father after his crucifixion. Not all of the disciples saw him when he rose from the dead, but He told those who saw him to GO TELL THE OTHERS what had happened. Thomas, one of the disciples who had not seen him, said this when he heard, "But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." 

You see we can set our hearts to NOT believe. It isn't that God needs to speak it to us differently, we have to humble ourselves to hear him. The problem is our Pride.  This pride doesn't just exist in people it exists in the whole world. Our society is prideful and instills pride in the people. Before we see the truth,  we first have to recognize our NEED for truth, and secondly humble ourselves and allow HIM to reveal truth to us. 

There is one more scripture that I want to leave with you Luke 16:19-31. It is a story about a man who died, went to hell, and then wanted Abraham to send someone back to warn his family not to come to this place. I want you to listen to what Abraham said to him in response to his request. 

"And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;... And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.  And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

As always I leave you with this. Pray to God and ask him reveal these verses, ask Him to reveal truth to you. Tell him to reveal whether what I am saying in this blog is truth and a word for you, and if you feel him tugging at your heart DO NOT IGNORE that tugging. Time is short guys. Our lives have to be IN CHRIST. He is the only thing solid.

Have a good one,

Eboni

Hi Everyone,

I had to blog today about something that is very disturbing to me that I am noticing about the hearts of the people today. This spirit of arrogance that is so prevalent in our society. I find it funny that some people think that how THEY think about it, is what matters. As if just because THEY think it, that makes it truth. Listen, that includes ME. I come face to face with truth every day, and have to make a decision of whether I am going to hold on to what I think, or am I going to go with what GOD is saying.  However, not everyone is willing to do that. Some people have this attitude of, "Well, I hear you but I don't think that," or, "I don't see it like that," or, "I don't agree with that." AS IF just because YOU don't see it like that THAT, it's not real.  People this type of attitude only hurts YOU.

I want to talk to you about something that I call "The Thomas Principle". You can actually set your heart to NOT believe. Some people have the attitude of "I will NOT believe it unless I see it". The problem with this type of believe system is some of the things that you have shut your hearts off to believing are for your own good and protection. If you wait to see it to believe, it maybe TO LATE.

God is a faithful God, He will always warn The Body of Christ. John 16:13  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. However, we as the people have to heed the warnings. 

There is a story in the book of John about Thomas, a disciple who set his heart to NOT believe. John Chap. 20 tells the story of Jesus' ascension to the father after his crucifixion. Not all of the disciples saw him when he rose from the dead, but He told those who saw him to GO TELL THE OTHERS what had happened. Thomas, one of the disciples who had not seen him, said this when he heard, "But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." 

You see we can set our hearts to NOT believe. It isn't that God needs to speak it to us differently, we have to humble ourselves to hear him. The problem is our Pride.  This pride doesn't just exist in people it exists in the whole world. Our society is prideful and instills pride in the people. Before we see the truth,  we first have to recognize our NEED for truth, and secondly humble ourselves and allow HIM to reveal truth to us. 

There is one more scripture that I want to leave with you Luke 16:19-31. It is a story about a man who died, went to hell, and then wanted Abraham to send someone back to warn his family not to come to this place. I want you to listen to what Abraham said to him in response to his request. 

"And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;... And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.  And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

As always I leave you with this. Pray to God and ask him reveal these verses, ask Him to reveal truth to you. Tell him to reveal whether what I am saying in this blog is truth and a word for you, and if you feel him tugging at your heart DO NOT IGNORE that tugging. Time is short guys. Our lives have to be IN CHRIST. He is the only thing solid.

Have a good one,

Eboni

A Letter to My Family and Friends

Dear Family and Friends,
All of you may have seen many of my facebook posts about Christ and the coming troubled times. You may have also seen the post about how tomorrow is not promised so take TODAY and get it right with God. God loves you.

Guys there are some things about to take place in this earth that you do NOT want to be apart of. If you inbox me, I will share with you personally more detail than that shared in this blog. I will give you more detail of the horrible, horrible times that the people of the earth are about to experience. But here is a general quick shot of some things I want you all to know...

The rapture of the church is going to happen soon and if you find yourself left behind here are some things that are about to happen.

1. All believers in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and ALL children (not teens) will go in the rapture. Teens are at the age of accountability and therefore have to accept the Lord Jesus as their savior. If your children are gone DO NOT BELIEVE what the government puts out. Aliens did not take them or us the Christians, we were raptured with the Lord Jesus Christ. He spared us from the coming horrors that are coming on the land. Your children are FINE so take peace knowing that The Lord spared them from all that you are about to experience.

2. There is going to be chaos everywhere... war, murder, sickness, famine, a fake alien invasion.  You may be without power for a long time, foreign troops will invade America and kill so many people. Nuclear bombs will be dropped IN AMERICA and the devastation will cripple our country. The days of America being a super power are over. Life as you know it is forever over. Regardless of what the government or the powers that be tell you IT WILL NOT GET BETTER. The only hope is in Jesus.

3. A man is going to rise and seem to have a solution for all the chaos. This is the Antichrist. There will be 7 years of tribulation and utter destruction. During this time he will require everyone to receive a mark in either their forehead or hand. Without this mark you won't be able to buy or sell. DO NOT take the mark of the beast. If you take the mark you damn your soul to hell forever. There is no turning back from that.

3. There is about to be evil like NEVER before on the earth. Every kind of horror will happen. So give your heart to Jesus so that if you die you can be with your saved loved ones in eternity.

4. If you are reading this and the rapture has not taken place you still have time to accept Jesus. Do it today... read the blog titled "From My Heart to Yours" on my blog site www.eboni4real.blogspot.com  It explains in detail who Jesus is and what he came to do. It also explains why all mankind need to accept him.

5. If you have already accepted him or decide to accept him LEARN about him. Make time to hear his word preached. Go to our website www.totalvictoryexperience.com or our youtube page  TheTotalVictoryExp -there are  MANY teachings to listen to. I recommend The following messages:

• The Sign of The End
• The Truth About Salvation
• The Division of Light and Darkness
• Defining God's Love

I have tried my best to tell as many people as possible about Jesus because He loves you and he will spare ALL his children from these coming horrors, but once the rapture happens that is it. You are left behind and will experience the horrible things coming on the earth. You can still get saved but it will be hard to see through all the deception that the government will put out. So do yourself a favor and accept him today.

I love you guys, I DO NOT CARE if you think I am crazy. Once everything happens you are going to be happy that I shared this info with you because you will remember it. If I have to be labeled as crazy for the sake of warning you so be it, I will take the ridicule because I do NOT want to see ANY of you have to endure the HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE things that are about to happen.

Dear Family and Friends,
All of you may have seen many of my facebook posts about Christ and the coming troubled times. You may have also seen the post about how tomorrow is not promised so take TODAY and get it right with God. God loves you.

Guys there are some things about to take place in this earth that you do NOT want to be apart of. If you inbox me, I will share with you personally more detail than that shared in this blog. I will give you more detail of the horrible, horrible times that the people of the earth are about to experience. But here is a general quick shot of some things I want you all to know...

The rapture of the church is going to happen soon and if you find yourself left behind here are some things that are about to happen.

1. All believers in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and ALL children (not teens) will go in the rapture. Teens are at the age of accountability and therefore have to accept the Lord Jesus as their savior. If your children are gone DO NOT BELIEVE what the government puts out. Aliens did not take them or us the Christians, we were raptured with the Lord Jesus Christ. He spared us from the coming horrors that are coming on the land. Your children are FINE so take peace knowing that The Lord spared them from all that you are about to experience.

2. There is going to be chaos everywhere... war, murder, sickness, famine, a fake alien invasion.  You may be without power for a long time, foreign troops will invade America and kill so many people. Nuclear bombs will be dropped IN AMERICA and the devastation will cripple our country. The days of America being a super power are over. Life as you know it is forever over. Regardless of what the government or the powers that be tell you IT WILL NOT GET BETTER. The only hope is in Jesus.

3. A man is going to rise and seem to have a solution for all the chaos. This is the Antichrist. There will be 7 years of tribulation and utter destruction. During this time he will require everyone to receive a mark in either their forehead or hand. Without this mark you won't be able to buy or sell. DO NOT take the mark of the beast. If you take the mark you damn your soul to hell forever. There is no turning back from that.

3. There is about to be evil like NEVER before on the earth. Every kind of horror will happen. So give your heart to Jesus so that if you die you can be with your saved loved ones in eternity.

4. If you are reading this and the rapture has not taken place you still have time to accept Jesus. Do it today... read the blog titled "From My Heart to Yours" on my blog site www.eboni4real.blogspot.com  It explains in detail who Jesus is and what he came to do. It also explains why all mankind need to accept him.

5. If you have already accepted him or decide to accept him LEARN about him. Make time to hear his word preached. Go to our website www.totalvictoryexperience.com or our youtube page  TheTotalVictoryExp -there are  MANY teachings to listen to. I recommend The following messages:

• The Sign of The End
• The Truth About Salvation
• The Division of Light and Darkness
• Defining God's Love

I have tried my best to tell as many people as possible about Jesus because He loves you and he will spare ALL his children from these coming horrors, but once the rapture happens that is it. You are left behind and will experience the horrible things coming on the earth. You can still get saved but it will be hard to see through all the deception that the government will put out. So do yourself a favor and accept him today.

I love you guys, I DO NOT CARE if you think I am crazy. Once everything happens you are going to be happy that I shared this info with you because you will remember it. If I have to be labeled as crazy for the sake of warning you so be it, I will take the ridicule because I do NOT want to see ANY of you have to endure the HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE things that are about to happen.

Lend Me Your Ears

Ask yourself in a weeks time how much of your time, mental & physical energy goes to each of these things that Christ named? All I ask is that you be honest with YOURSELF. Luke 21: 34 says, "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (over indulgence), and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Jesus warned of these things overtaking our hearts and tells us to be on guard and NOT allow them to do so. If you examine our world today especially our American society it seems that everything that Jesus said to guard ourselves from doing is pretty much a NORMAL way of life. We generally are consumed with surfeiting. We overindulge in whatever feels good. There is this underlying theme in today's culture of do what thou wilt. What ever "feels" good do it. Whatever "feels" right do it. We constantly want more, more, more. Contentment is a lost virtue and we tend to work ourselves into the ground trying to indulge in our hearts delights. 

And what about drunkenness? Have you noticed that just about EVERY show on TV promotes drinking? Let's go deeper they promote drinking especially AS A WAY OF COPING with hard times. When you have a hard day, or need to unwind don't turn to Christ the source of peace, the source of strength & comfort, grab a beer or a glass of wine and drink your problems away. 

And here is the big one... the one that really jumps out at me in the verse. Christ mentions THE CARES OF THIS LIFE. People are so BUSY with the cares of this life, JUST TRYING TO LIVE that they don't have time to invest anything into their eternal life. Our lives are so filled with distractions and vane efforts and responsibilities that we don't have time to seek Christ. Some people will put more effort into not missing their favorite show than they will into not missing church.

I ask you again, in a weeks time how much of YOUR time, mental energy and physical energy goes into each of  the things that Christ named? Once you figure that out compare that to how much TIME, mental and physical energy you invest in learning about Christ. Jesus is coming back for his church and the Bible says no man knows exactly when so we should be ready at all times. I encourage you to start on purpose seeking Christ. He said all those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled. He also said he has given us the Holy Spirit who will lead and guide us into ALL truth. I urge you TODAY make a decision to LEARN about Jesus Christ and what his death, burial and resurrection actually means. 

I love you guys and I hope you have an ear to hear. My intent is to reach as many people as possible to influence them to seek after Jesus Christ. HE is the ONLY answer to what plagues mankind, and in these troubled times that we live in HE IS OUR ROCK! 

Be blessed Guys!

Ask yourself in a weeks time how much of your time, mental & physical energy goes to each of these things that Christ named? All I ask is that you be honest with YOURSELF. Luke 21: 34 says, "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (over indulgence), and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Jesus warned of these things overtaking our hearts and tells us to be on guard and NOT allow them to do so. If you examine our world today especially our American society it seems that everything that Jesus said to guard ourselves from doing is pretty much a NORMAL way of life. We generally are consumed with surfeiting. We overindulge in whatever feels good. There is this underlying theme in today's culture of do what thou wilt. What ever "feels" good do it. Whatever "feels" right do it. We constantly want more, more, more. Contentment is a lost virtue and we tend to work ourselves into the ground trying to indulge in our hearts delights. 

And what about drunkenness? Have you noticed that just about EVERY show on TV promotes drinking? Let's go deeper they promote drinking especially AS A WAY OF COPING with hard times. When you have a hard day, or need to unwind don't turn to Christ the source of peace, the source of strength & comfort, grab a beer or a glass of wine and drink your problems away. 

And here is the big one... the one that really jumps out at me in the verse. Christ mentions THE CARES OF THIS LIFE. People are so BUSY with the cares of this life, JUST TRYING TO LIVE that they don't have time to invest anything into their eternal life. Our lives are so filled with distractions and vane efforts and responsibilities that we don't have time to seek Christ. Some people will put more effort into not missing their favorite show than they will into not missing church.

I ask you again, in a weeks time how much of YOUR time, mental energy and physical energy goes into each of  the things that Christ named? Once you figure that out compare that to how much TIME, mental and physical energy you invest in learning about Christ. Jesus is coming back for his church and the Bible says no man knows exactly when so we should be ready at all times. I encourage you to start on purpose seeking Christ. He said all those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled. He also said he has given us the Holy Spirit who will lead and guide us into ALL truth. I urge you TODAY make a decision to LEARN about Jesus Christ and what his death, burial and resurrection actually means. 

I love you guys and I hope you have an ear to hear. My intent is to reach as many people as possible to influence them to seek after Jesus Christ. HE is the ONLY answer to what plagues mankind, and in these troubled times that we live in HE IS OUR ROCK! 

Be blessed Guys!

From My Heart to Yours

Grace does not remove judgement, grace is God judging Jesus for OUR sins. If you are not found IN Christ then you will have to answer to God for your sin. Because of what Adam did in the garden all of us are sinners. Not because of acts that we do but because we were born with a sin nature- our very nature IS the sin. We were born dead in another form different from what God originally created. However, through Jesus Christ we can have new life & live in & fellowship with God as new creations in Christ Jesus. We can be born AGAIN through faith in him. So right now there is no judgement coming from God. The pains, trials, and sufferings that we see in this world are the results of two things: 1. Fallen mankind & us ruining the planet by not knowing how to manage & tend it.  2. The result of things that were set in place thousands of years ago before any of us were here. Things that happened in the spirit that the Bible speaks of that we can not yet fully understand (Matt. 24:4-8). Right now these are the causes of what we see, but ladies and gentleman please hear me clearly, He that have an ear let him hear, there is a judgement that is coming that IS from God; and when it comes there will be no mistaking, or wondering is this God. When God judges his judgement is Noah and the Flood, Sodom and Gomorrah- he DESTROYS cities and all that are in them. The casualties are not a few hundred people, the casualties are ENTIRE cities. (Matthew 24:2-22) This judgement IS going to happen, however we don't have to be a part of it because CHRIST was Judged at the cross for all of mankind. We can place our life in him and find protection from the coming horrors. Those who are found outside of Christ WILL FACE the judgements of those in this world. Even if you feel you are a good person and do good deeds. Our goodness does not equal righteousness. Righteousness only comes by FAITH in Christ. (Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe... For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified FREELY by his GRACE through the redemption that is IN Christ Jesus (Rom 3:21-28 emphasis vs.22-24) ). God doesn't deal with mankind according to our good deeds because none of us can measure up to his standard. His standard is perfection. That is why he sent Jesus to pay the price of sin FOR us. So you see there is no salvation for the man that rejects the free gift of salvation.  To reject Christ is to say to God that you don't need a savior and you can answer for your own Sins. Every man has that choice. God will not make you believe & he will not make you accept his gift of salvation, it's YOUR choice. But in choosing know this, EVERY MAN will die eventually, every man will give account of the deeds done in their physical body, and this world will experience the great tribulation that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24.  Everyone who has not placed faith in Christ will be apart of this tribulation. (2 Thess. 2:1-17 emphasis on vs. 9-12) ... because they RECEIVED NOT the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them a strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. The bible warns of a coming tribulation that will be a horrible time and I don't want ANY of you to have to endure that. I urge you go to my church's website www.totalvictoryexperience.com,  or visit our YouTube page totalvictoryexp and listen to any of the many messages that we have there FREE about Jesus Christ. Also, pray and ask God to reveal to you whether what I am saying is the truth or not, and PLEASE reader if you feel a prompting in your heart as you read this don't ignore it. Put faith in Christ while you still have a chance.

Grace does not remove judgement, grace is God judging Jesus for OUR sins. If you are not found IN Christ then you will have to answer to God for your sin. Because of what Adam did in the garden all of us are sinners. Not because of acts that we do but because we were born with a sin nature- our very nature IS the sin. We were born dead in another form different from what God originally created. However, through Jesus Christ we can have new life & live in & fellowship with God as new creations in Christ Jesus. We can be born AGAIN through faith in him. So right now there is no judgement coming from God. The pains, trials, and sufferings that we see in this world are the results of two things: 1. Fallen mankind & us ruining the planet by not knowing how to manage & tend it.  2. The result of things that were set in place thousands of years ago before any of us were here. Things that happened in the spirit that the Bible speaks of that we can not yet fully understand (Matt. 24:4-8). Right now these are the causes of what we see, but ladies and gentleman please hear me clearly, He that have an ear let him hear, there is a judgement that is coming that IS from God; and when it comes there will be no mistaking, or wondering is this God. When God judges his judgement is Noah and the Flood, Sodom and Gomorrah- he DESTROYS cities and all that are in them. The casualties are not a few hundred people, the casualties are ENTIRE cities. (Matthew 24:2-22) This judgement IS going to happen, however we don't have to be a part of it because CHRIST was Judged at the cross for all of mankind. We can place our life in him and find protection from the coming horrors. Those who are found outside of Christ WILL FACE the judgements of those in this world. Even if you feel you are a good person and do good deeds. Our goodness does not equal righteousness. Righteousness only comes by FAITH in Christ. (Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe... For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified FREELY by his GRACE through the redemption that is IN Christ Jesus (Rom 3:21-28 emphasis vs.22-24) ). God doesn't deal with mankind according to our good deeds because none of us can measure up to his standard. His standard is perfection. That is why he sent Jesus to pay the price of sin FOR us. So you see there is no salvation for the man that rejects the free gift of salvation.  To reject Christ is to say to God that you don't need a savior and you can answer for your own Sins. Every man has that choice. God will not make you believe & he will not make you accept his gift of salvation, it's YOUR choice. But in choosing know this, EVERY MAN will die eventually, every man will give account of the deeds done in their physical body, and this world will experience the great tribulation that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24.  Everyone who has not placed faith in Christ will be apart of this tribulation. (2 Thess. 2:1-17 emphasis on vs. 9-12) ... because they RECEIVED NOT the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them a strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. The bible warns of a coming tribulation that will be a horrible time and I don't want ANY of you to have to endure that. I urge you go to my church's website www.totalvictoryexperience.com,  or visit our YouTube page totalvictoryexp and listen to any of the many messages that we have there FREE about Jesus Christ. Also, pray and ask God to reveal to you whether what I am saying is the truth or not, and PLEASE reader if you feel a prompting in your heart as you read this don't ignore it. Put faith in Christ while you still have a chance.

Ladies You Never Want to Be an Eve

A few years ago I received a pivotal revelation in my marriage. One day I was praying after one of the many disagreements John and I had over a decision he wanted to make in the church and my disagreement with it. I can be very opinionated and vocal in my opinions, and because my husband and I are so different our differences used to cause us to disagree a lot when it came to different approaches to handling things in the ministry. One day after a heated argument I was praying about this and God said to me, "Eboni you have to learn when to shut up. You keep going and going, and you have to learn when to just be quiet and stop talking." He then went on to show me something in scripture that I want to share with women today, especially married women or those who are about to get married.

We all know the story in Genesis 3 of Eve and how she convinced Adam to disobey God by biting the fruit. In reading the story in the past I never took the time to really think about what was going on inside of Eve when she gave him the fruit to eat. She didn't do it to be mean or to maliciously disobey God. The bible says she was deceived. A deceived person doesn't know they are deceived, why, because they are deceived. Eve really believed with everything in her that this is what they needed to do. Her heart told her so, her emotions told her so, she KNEW this is what they should do in order to be wise. I can imagine like me she was passionate about what they should do and persuaded Adam. When I believe something I am very passionate about it and won't let up. I keep talking trying to convince my husband to see my way because I KNOW this is what we need to do, or this is what HE should do. The danger in that is we as women are not called to LEAD our families. Our husbands are, and like it or not women, when we as women lead the family over our husband we are out of order. Does this mean that we have no opinion? No, of course not, but there is a difference in suggesting and voicing your opinion and taking control, directing or convincing your husband to do what YOU think he should do. What is being an Eve? It is when your husband really feels a certain decision needs to be made which you disagree with, and you talk him into going against what he feels in his heart should be done to do what what you feel.

This brings me to an important point for single women. Single ladies, because God's design is that the man is the head of the household it is very important that you make a wise choice in who you marry. Hear me very clearly ladies, when you choose to marry a man you are choosing who you are going to submit to. Just because he is irresponsible and immature that doesn't exclude you from having to respect him or allowing him to lead your family. I know this is tough and it takes revelation from God, but God's order is his order and when implemented correctly it flows beautifully. His order isn't the problem, it's our unwise choices in choosing a respectable mate that you can follow. We choose to marry immature men who aren't ready to be the head of anything let alone a family and then want God to erase his order for the family. It doesn't work that way. The time to decide whether you want to follow a man's leading is BEFORE you get married. If you don't respect him now you won't after marriage. Remember your mate is a product of your intelligent decision. I know it's tough but it's true.

So what do you do if you are married to a man who you don't respect or feel is capable of leading your family?  The answer to that is a conversation that we need to have one on one. It would take to long to go into it here so I encourage you to email me and I will speak with you personally and specific to your situation. My email address is www.johnebon@gmail.com. In the subject line let me know that it is in response to the blog so that I will know it isn't spam.  To everyone else take some time to think about what I said here and if you have any questions feel free to post and we can discuss.

Eboni~~

A few years ago I received a pivotal revelation in my marriage. One day I was praying after one of the many disagreements John and I had over a decision he wanted to make in the church and my disagreement with it. I can be very opinionated and vocal in my opinions, and because my husband and I are so different our differences used to cause us to disagree a lot when it came to different approaches to handling things in the ministry. One day after a heated argument I was praying about this and God said to me, "Eboni you have to learn when to shut up. You keep going and going, and you have to learn when to just be quiet and stop talking." He then went on to show me something in scripture that I want to share with women today, especially married women or those who are about to get married.

We all know the story in Genesis 3 of Eve and how she convinced Adam to disobey God by biting the fruit. In reading the story in the past I never took the time to really think about what was going on inside of Eve when she gave him the fruit to eat. She didn't do it to be mean or to maliciously disobey God. The bible says she was deceived. A deceived person doesn't know they are deceived, why, because they are deceived. Eve really believed with everything in her that this is what they needed to do. Her heart told her so, her emotions told her so, she KNEW this is what they should do in order to be wise. I can imagine like me she was passionate about what they should do and persuaded Adam. When I believe something I am very passionate about it and won't let up. I keep talking trying to convince my husband to see my way because I KNOW this is what we need to do, or this is what HE should do. The danger in that is we as women are not called to LEAD our families. Our husbands are, and like it or not women, when we as women lead the family over our husband we are out of order. Does this mean that we have no opinion? No, of course not, but there is a difference in suggesting and voicing your opinion and taking control, directing or convincing your husband to do what YOU think he should do. What is being an Eve? It is when your husband really feels a certain decision needs to be made which you disagree with, and you talk him into going against what he feels in his heart should be done to do what what you feel.

This brings me to an important point for single women. Single ladies, because God's design is that the man is the head of the household it is very important that you make a wise choice in who you marry. Hear me very clearly ladies, when you choose to marry a man you are choosing who you are going to submit to. Just because he is irresponsible and immature that doesn't exclude you from having to respect him or allowing him to lead your family. I know this is tough and it takes revelation from God, but God's order is his order and when implemented correctly it flows beautifully. His order isn't the problem, it's our unwise choices in choosing a respectable mate that you can follow. We choose to marry immature men who aren't ready to be the head of anything let alone a family and then want God to erase his order for the family. It doesn't work that way. The time to decide whether you want to follow a man's leading is BEFORE you get married. If you don't respect him now you won't after marriage. Remember your mate is a product of your intelligent decision. I know it's tough but it's true.

So what do you do if you are married to a man who you don't respect or feel is capable of leading your family?  The answer to that is a conversation that we need to have one on one. It would take to long to go into it here so I encourage you to email me and I will speak with you personally and specific to your situation. My email address is www.johnebon@gmail.com. In the subject line let me know that it is in response to the blog so that I will know it isn't spam.  To everyone else take some time to think about what I said here and if you have any questions feel free to post and we can discuss.

Eboni~~

Every Christian Should Read This

Hi everyone, long time no Blog :-) I wanted to take a few minutes to share something that I think would be tremendously helpful. All over the world people are having to adjust to living with less. How do you endure a major decrease in your monthly income without loosing your mind, becoming offended at God and giving up, or living in a constant state of depression? I will tell you how... you realize CHRIST is IN YOU not the situation. Don't look to situations to see God. God is in you and he will manifest himself in what ever situation  you find yourself.

It's human nature to get attached to things. We get used to living our life and we subconciously begin to trust in or derive our peace and sense of happiness from those things. I.E. our dream car, dream house, our mate, or jobs. Then if any of those things are taken away we are left bewildered, confused, and afraid. Especially if it is something that we wanted really bad and finally got it, or something that we credited God as blessing us with like a Job. What happens when you are laid off of the job, does it mean God didn't give it to you? No, of course not. A lesson that I had to learn was, we live in a TEMPORAL world, and EVERYTHING in this physical world is subject to change. The only things that are ETERNAL and not subject to change are the spiritual promises that we have IN CHRIST.


(2 Cor. 4:18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Your job, even the one God blessed you with may have to make cut backs. Your income may change and you can no longer afford your home, or your possesions. Your kids may not be able to stay in private school. That is why it is imperative that we don't derive our identity, happiness, confidence in any of these physical things. We must get our identity, happiness, and peace from Christ.

God is the God of TODAY, not yesterday, not tomorrow, he deals in TODAY. We can't even allow ourselves to get attached to past experiences with God, because He is in us not the Experience. Just like he manifested himself  to you in the past , he will manifest himself today and everyday. This truth applies in all situations. It may be a job that he blessed you with that has somehow come to an end, or a home that he blessed you with that you can no longer afford. What we have to understand is that Christ is in US and whether you live in a home or an apartment, you will love it and have peace because your peace doesn't come from the place you live, it comes from Christ. He can manifest himself out of you in EVERY situation that you find yourself.

Your position in Christ is such a difference maker. It is how you can live in this unstable world and not BE unstable. HE alone is our Rock! Be blessed guys,
Eboni

Hi everyone, long time no Blog :-) I wanted to take a few minutes to share something that I think would be tremendously helpful. All over the world people are having to adjust to living with less. How do you endure a major decrease in your monthly income without loosing your mind, becoming offended at God and giving up, or living in a constant state of depression? I will tell you how... you realize CHRIST is IN YOU not the situation. Don't look to situations to see God. God is in you and he will manifest himself in what ever situation  you find yourself.

It's human nature to get attached to things. We get used to living our life and we subconciously begin to trust in or derive our peace and sense of happiness from those things. I.E. our dream car, dream house, our mate, or jobs. Then if any of those things are taken away we are left bewildered, confused, and afraid. Especially if it is something that we wanted really bad and finally got it, or something that we credited God as blessing us with like a Job. What happens when you are laid off of the job, does it mean God didn't give it to you? No, of course not. A lesson that I had to learn was, we live in a TEMPORAL world, and EVERYTHING in this physical world is subject to change. The only things that are ETERNAL and not subject to change are the spiritual promises that we have IN CHRIST.


(2 Cor. 4:18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Your job, even the one God blessed you with may have to make cut backs. Your income may change and you can no longer afford your home, or your possesions. Your kids may not be able to stay in private school. That is why it is imperative that we don't derive our identity, happiness, confidence in any of these physical things. We must get our identity, happiness, and peace from Christ.

God is the God of TODAY, not yesterday, not tomorrow, he deals in TODAY. We can't even allow ourselves to get attached to past experiences with God, because He is in us not the Experience. Just like he manifested himself  to you in the past , he will manifest himself today and everyday. This truth applies in all situations. It may be a job that he blessed you with that has somehow come to an end, or a home that he blessed you with that you can no longer afford. What we have to understand is that Christ is in US and whether you live in a home or an apartment, you will love it and have peace because your peace doesn't come from the place you live, it comes from Christ. He can manifest himself out of you in EVERY situation that you find yourself.

Your position in Christ is such a difference maker. It is how you can live in this unstable world and not BE unstable. HE alone is our Rock! Be blessed guys,
Eboni

Letting Go of the Reigns

The person who really does begin to move is the person who has had his final despair over himself, and has come to see quite clearly by the Holy Spirit's illumination that it is "no longer I, but Christ"—'Not what I am, O Lord, but what Thou art, that, that alone, can be my soul's true rest': Thy love, not mine; Thy peace, not mine; Thy rest, not mine; Thy everything, nothing of mine; Thyself! That is the essential foundation of spiritual growth, spiritual knowledge, spiritual education. " T. Austin Sparks


For me personally, I despair over my inability and feelings of insignificance and limitations. The Apostle Paul said he gloried in his inabilities because he knew that in his weakness Christ's strength was made perfect. This is so drastically different from what we are taught in the world. We are taught that our weaknesses are bad, our failures and flaws need to be fixed so people will approve of us or deem us good...worthy. It is because of this belief that I am having such a hard time with letting go, giving up total control of my life. There are so many things that I would change about myself and my life that I feel actually hinder me from doing what I think needs to be done, or hinders me from having what I think would be the perfect life. When from God's view those very weaknesses are what allow HIM to work through me best, because truly when I am at an end of myself only then can I truly rely totally on him and it not be my power but HIS power, not be my wisdom but his widom, not my strength but his strength. HIS LIFE not mine in operation in me.

My husband is in a series right now entitled "Heavenly Minded, Earthly Good", It's bringing me face to face with how much control I want over my life. He said something in this message that really hit home with me. He said, "to be heavenly minded is when your soul becomes aware of the reality of it's position in Christ. Understanding this will cause you to look out at the world from where you dwell, which is in Christ, and no longer see the world out from your situations and earthly circumstances."

For so long I have looked out at the world through my circumstances. My circumstances are what have defined how I viewed myself and our church. I have always had this feeling of not having enough. Where our church is concerned I have often felt like God left us hanging, that there were so many things that we should be doing but can't because of lack of people, finances and resources. In my personal life for so long I have defined myself by my credit score. If it was good I felt better about myself, if it was bad I felt worse about myself. With this teaching I am coming to realize that having Christ be my life means that with God our strength, ability, power, wisdom, and accomplishments are not pluses, but in actuality they are hinderances to God being able to move in me and in our church. God is so other than man kind.


He actually views our human strengths as weaknesses because the better I am in an area the more apt I am to trust in my ability. That is why Paul said, "For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.  But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”

I say again God is so OTHER than Man Kind and as the Holy Spirit continues to reveal Christ as my life... I long for the day when I no longer despise my weaknesses but on the contrary count all my accomplishments as dung and ONLY glory in HIM!

The person who really does begin to move is the person who has had his final despair over himself, and has come to see quite clearly by the Holy Spirit's illumination that it is "no longer I, but Christ"—'Not what I am, O Lord, but what Thou art, that, that alone, can be my soul's true rest': Thy love, not mine; Thy peace, not mine; Thy rest, not mine; Thy everything, nothing of mine; Thyself! That is the essential foundation of spiritual growth, spiritual knowledge, spiritual education. " T. Austin Sparks


For me personally, I despair over my inability and feelings of insignificance and limitations. The Apostle Paul said he gloried in his inabilities because he knew that in his weakness Christ's strength was made perfect. This is so drastically different from what we are taught in the world. We are taught that our weaknesses are bad, our failures and flaws need to be fixed so people will approve of us or deem us good...worthy. It is because of this belief that I am having such a hard time with letting go, giving up total control of my life. There are so many things that I would change about myself and my life that I feel actually hinder me from doing what I think needs to be done, or hinders me from having what I think would be the perfect life. When from God's view those very weaknesses are what allow HIM to work through me best, because truly when I am at an end of myself only then can I truly rely totally on him and it not be my power but HIS power, not be my wisdom but his widom, not my strength but his strength. HIS LIFE not mine in operation in me.

My husband is in a series right now entitled "Heavenly Minded, Earthly Good", It's bringing me face to face with how much control I want over my life. He said something in this message that really hit home with me. He said, "to be heavenly minded is when your soul becomes aware of the reality of it's position in Christ. Understanding this will cause you to look out at the world from where you dwell, which is in Christ, and no longer see the world out from your situations and earthly circumstances."

For so long I have looked out at the world through my circumstances. My circumstances are what have defined how I viewed myself and our church. I have always had this feeling of not having enough. Where our church is concerned I have often felt like God left us hanging, that there were so many things that we should be doing but can't because of lack of people, finances and resources. In my personal life for so long I have defined myself by my credit score. If it was good I felt better about myself, if it was bad I felt worse about myself. With this teaching I am coming to realize that having Christ be my life means that with God our strength, ability, power, wisdom, and accomplishments are not pluses, but in actuality they are hinderances to God being able to move in me and in our church. God is so other than man kind.


He actually views our human strengths as weaknesses because the better I am in an area the more apt I am to trust in my ability. That is why Paul said, "For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.  But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”

I say again God is so OTHER than Man Kind and as the Holy Spirit continues to reveal Christ as my life... I long for the day when I no longer despise my weaknesses but on the contrary count all my accomplishments as dung and ONLY glory in HIM!

Your Days of Dread are Over!

Hello everyone, If you are facing a deadline or date right now that you're are afraid of and dreading the coming of this particular day, if  right now you can't see how the situation will turn out in your favor, let me offer you some insight into what I learned when I was in a similar situation. The first thing as a believer you should realize is YOU ARE NOT ALONE in this situation, Christ is with you. You are right now seated in Christ far above that circumstance. You ALREADY have victory IN CHRIST over that situation. There is a VERY REAL other side of your current situation that YOU can not see right now, but just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't real.

Consider for a minute how Christ dealt with situations. For instance, in the story of Jesus raising Lazurus from the dead found in John 11, on the way to raise Lazarus as Jesus and the disciples discussed his death, Jesus spoke of Lazarus as sleeping. To everyone else Lazarus was dead but from Christ' perspective he was asleep. When Jesus showed up after Lazarus had died everyone else was weeping, mourning and feeling defeated what was the outcome? Christ raised him from the dead. Let's take the story of Jesus and the disciples on the boat in the midst of the storm found in Mark 4. They thought they were going to die but from Christ' perspective they were going to the other side and he slept in the midst of the storm. In Mark 6 in the example of the 5000 who were hungry and needed to be fed all the disciples' minds could see was that they only had 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread, and there was no way they could feed all those people. Christ had another perspective of the situation.

I know that these are all familiar stories and I am not trying to "hype" you up. What I want you to realize is the Person who helped, changed, fixed, and delivered in those situations is still alive today, and if you are born again HE lives on the inside of you RIGHT NOW, and you have access to HIS mind and perspective of YOUR situation RIGHT NOW. What YOU are currently seeing about your situation although it may be a fact is only one side of the situation. There is another higher view that God has of the situation that has not entered into your heart or mind. So you can either spend everyday leading up to that day/deadline worried about it OR... you can take one day at a time and allow Christ to be bread for you TODAY. You have enough Grace for TODAY. Experience him as such TODAY and then when tomorrow comes you will experience him then also. If you choose to worry by the time that day comes you will have spent so many days focused on the problem that in your mind the problem will be huge and God and his ability will be small, but if you can spend everyday with HIM focused on Christ by the time that day arrives you will have HIS view on the situation. The peace that we have in Christ is real and everything doesn't have to be going right in order for you to experience it. You can experience him and all HIS fullness RIGHT now right where you ARE.

If you are in the Atlanta area you really should visit Total Victory International Ministries. If you are not, I encourage you to visit our website www.totalvictoryexperience.com There are tons of messages online free for you there and also at our you tube page "The Total Victory Exp".

Be Encouraged Guys The Victory you have in Christ is real!

Eboni

Hello everyone, If you are facing a deadline or date right now that you're are afraid of and dreading the coming of this particular day, if  right now you can't see how the situation will turn out in your favor, let me offer you some insight into what I learned when I was in a similar situation. The first thing as a believer you should realize is YOU ARE NOT ALONE in this situation, Christ is with you. You are right now seated in Christ far above that circumstance. You ALREADY have victory IN CHRIST over that situation. There is a VERY REAL other side of your current situation that YOU can not see right now, but just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't real.

Consider for a minute how Christ dealt with situations. For instance, in the story of Jesus raising Lazurus from the dead found in John 11, on the way to raise Lazarus as Jesus and the disciples discussed his death, Jesus spoke of Lazarus as sleeping. To everyone else Lazarus was dead but from Christ' perspective he was asleep. When Jesus showed up after Lazarus had died everyone else was weeping, mourning and feeling defeated what was the outcome? Christ raised him from the dead. Let's take the story of Jesus and the disciples on the boat in the midst of the storm found in Mark 4. They thought they were going to die but from Christ' perspective they were going to the other side and he slept in the midst of the storm. In Mark 6 in the example of the 5000 who were hungry and needed to be fed all the disciples' minds could see was that they only had 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread, and there was no way they could feed all those people. Christ had another perspective of the situation.

I know that these are all familiar stories and I am not trying to "hype" you up. What I want you to realize is the Person who helped, changed, fixed, and delivered in those situations is still alive today, and if you are born again HE lives on the inside of you RIGHT NOW, and you have access to HIS mind and perspective of YOUR situation RIGHT NOW. What YOU are currently seeing about your situation although it may be a fact is only one side of the situation. There is another higher view that God has of the situation that has not entered into your heart or mind. So you can either spend everyday leading up to that day/deadline worried about it OR... you can take one day at a time and allow Christ to be bread for you TODAY. You have enough Grace for TODAY. Experience him as such TODAY and then when tomorrow comes you will experience him then also. If you choose to worry by the time that day comes you will have spent so many days focused on the problem that in your mind the problem will be huge and God and his ability will be small, but if you can spend everyday with HIM focused on Christ by the time that day arrives you will have HIS view on the situation. The peace that we have in Christ is real and everything doesn't have to be going right in order for you to experience it. You can experience him and all HIS fullness RIGHT now right where you ARE.

If you are in the Atlanta area you really should visit Total Victory International Ministries. If you are not, I encourage you to visit our website www.totalvictoryexperience.com There are tons of messages online free for you there and also at our you tube page "The Total Victory Exp".

Be Encouraged Guys The Victory you have in Christ is real!

Eboni

I Have Had to Remind Myself of This Many Times.

Hello All,
I received a call today from someone who is in a very difficult situation. She like so many is facing the very likely possibility of a layoff, and the thoughts have begun to bombard her mind. You know the "what if" scenarios that our minds will so easily play over and over for us when we receive devastating news. What if I don't find another job, how will I pay my bills, how will I take care of my kids, what's going to happen. What if he leaves, what if I don't get well, what if they come get the car, what if they foreclose on the house, what if I can't come up with the money...what if...what if? I listened to her and I told her the same thing I have told myself many times. Regardless of what you are going through, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Christ is there with you and HIS GRACE is sufficient for you IN THIS situation. In YOUR weakness HIS strength is made perfect. All you can see right now is the storm. You can't see past the storm to the other side, but there is another side.

One of the things that I am observing about Christ is how calm and unaffected he was by wayward circumstances. He was the definition of Peace. The peace that he has is a heavenly, superior, peace. It is not affected by natural circumstances. He was able to sleep in the middle of a storm that was so intense the disciples thought they were going to die. They were bailing water and he was resting. Before he left to go be with the Father he left that peace with us (John 14:27). The same peace that allowed him to be on a boat asleep in the middle of a hurricane we now have as apart of our Salvation.

Most of the things we worry about are temporary situations. They are going to pass away. The mortgages we stress and worry about paying are going to pass away. The cars we cry over not being able to pay for are going to pass away. All the things that take so much of our time, energy, strength and joy are going to pass away. That is why Paul said to CHOOSE to think on the things that are eternal. (Philippians 4) Jesus also told us to LET not our HEARTS be troubled or afraid.You do this by on purpose focusing your mind on Christ and who HE is. Interrupt your emotions with the truth of God's word. The promises of God are real, they all find there Yes in Christ. You can stake your life on and rest in them. HE WILL GET YOU THROUGH, just like he got you through the last time.

I encourage you to visit our website http://www.totalvictoryexperience.com or our YouTube page "The Total Victory Exp" we have tons of messages free for you online that will help you during these times.
Be encouraged and KNOW that you are not alone,
Eboni

Hello All,
I received a call today from someone who is in a very difficult situation. She like so many is facing the very likely possibility of a layoff, and the thoughts have begun to bombard her mind. You know the "what if" scenarios that our minds will so easily play over and over for us when we receive devastating news. What if I don't find another job, how will I pay my bills, how will I take care of my kids, what's going to happen. What if he leaves, what if I don't get well, what if they come get the car, what if they foreclose on the house, what if I can't come up with the money...what if...what if? I listened to her and I told her the same thing I have told myself many times. Regardless of what you are going through, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Christ is there with you and HIS GRACE is sufficient for you IN THIS situation. In YOUR weakness HIS strength is made perfect. All you can see right now is the storm. You can't see past the storm to the other side, but there is another side.

One of the things that I am observing about Christ is how calm and unaffected he was by wayward circumstances. He was the definition of Peace. The peace that he has is a heavenly, superior, peace. It is not affected by natural circumstances. He was able to sleep in the middle of a storm that was so intense the disciples thought they were going to die. They were bailing water and he was resting. Before he left to go be with the Father he left that peace with us (John 14:27). The same peace that allowed him to be on a boat asleep in the middle of a hurricane we now have as apart of our Salvation.

Most of the things we worry about are temporary situations. They are going to pass away. The mortgages we stress and worry about paying are going to pass away. The cars we cry over not being able to pay for are going to pass away. All the things that take so much of our time, energy, strength and joy are going to pass away. That is why Paul said to CHOOSE to think on the things that are eternal. (Philippians 4) Jesus also told us to LET not our HEARTS be troubled or afraid.You do this by on purpose focusing your mind on Christ and who HE is. Interrupt your emotions with the truth of God's word. The promises of God are real, they all find there Yes in Christ. You can stake your life on and rest in them. HE WILL GET YOU THROUGH, just like he got you through the last time.

I encourage you to visit our website http://www.totalvictoryexperience.com or our YouTube page "The Total Victory Exp" we have tons of messages free for you online that will help you during these times.
Be encouraged and KNOW that you are not alone,
Eboni

LIFE Doesn't Consist in the Abundance of Things

My heart is really heavy, heavy because I see so many people hurting. We are living in the day where our economy is failing us. Jobs are unstable, which means money is unstable and when money is unstable it effects EVERYTHING. Health is effected because of stress, marriages are effected because of the stress of lack of money, violence increases because people in desperate situations do desperate things. I look around and I see so many people trusting in and looking to the wrong source for peace and happiness. As a society we feel SECURE because of our possessions, our jobs, our spouses and people, but when these things fail us and our spouses leave, our jobs end, our loved ones die...what are we left with. Do we have anything SOLID within us to keep us?

Contrary to what politicians promise it isn't going to get any better, it's only going to get worse. The economy isn't going to recover, the wars aren't going to stop. Storms and devastation and many other things were all prophesied by Christ and will increase until his return. He ISN'T causing them, God ISN'T causing them; FALLEN MANKIND is causing them. What do you do when the thing that is trying to fix the problem IS the problem? That is where we find ourselves as a nation. Politicians fill us with empty promises, they want to help but the truth is they don't know HOW to help because the real problem isn't war, violence or poverty; the real problem is a SOCIETY and CULTURE without GOD and without CHRIST.

Apart from GOD and HIS wisdom and understanding man is not capable of managing this planet OR even our own lives; and APART from Christ we have no access to GOD. We have a race of people on the planet who think they don't need God and certainly don't need Christ. When the truth is Christ is the only way to God, the only way to access his wisdom, life, strength, joy and peace.

So as a believer what do you do. How do you stay sane in the days that we are living in. You keep your eyes on CHRIST. Continue to learn of him. If you are in a church where man is the focus where you're told every Sunday what you aren't doing, what you need to change, what sin you need to stop in order for God to fellowship with you. Christ isn't the focus and you are being taught to focus on man. Get in a church where Christ is preached and HE is the center of every message. When you focus on HIM you begin to live by HIS mind, HIS wisdom, HIS strength, HIS joy HIS peace. Those things are NEVER shaken or effected by outward circumstances. Let HIM be your life. The only answer to the dilemma that we face as a society is CHRIST. He is the only thing solid that will not and can not be shaken in the days that are upon us.

I encourage you to visit our website http://www.totalvictoryexperience.com/ or our YouTube page "The Total Victory Exp" we have tons of messages free for you online that will help you during these times.

Stay Encouraged,
Eboni

My heart is really heavy, heavy because I see so many people hurting. We are living in the day where our economy is failing us. Jobs are unstable, which means money is unstable and when money is unstable it effects EVERYTHING. Health is effected because of stress, marriages are effected because of the stress of lack of money, violence increases because people in desperate situations do desperate things. I look around and I see so many people trusting in and looking to the wrong source for peace and happiness. As a society we feel SECURE because of our possessions, our jobs, our spouses and people, but when these things fail us and our spouses leave, our jobs end, our loved ones die...what are we left with. Do we have anything SOLID within us to keep us?

Contrary to what politicians promise it isn't going to get any better, it's only going to get worse. The economy isn't going to recover, the wars aren't going to stop. Storms and devastation and many other things were all prophesied by Christ and will increase until his return. He ISN'T causing them, God ISN'T causing them; FALLEN MANKIND is causing them. What do you do when the thing that is trying to fix the problem IS the problem? That is where we find ourselves as a nation. Politicians fill us with empty promises, they want to help but the truth is they don't know HOW to help because the real problem isn't war, violence or poverty; the real problem is a SOCIETY and CULTURE without GOD and without CHRIST.

Apart from GOD and HIS wisdom and understanding man is not capable of managing this planet OR even our own lives; and APART from Christ we have no access to GOD. We have a race of people on the planet who think they don't need God and certainly don't need Christ. When the truth is Christ is the only way to God, the only way to access his wisdom, life, strength, joy and peace.

So as a believer what do you do. How do you stay sane in the days that we are living in. You keep your eyes on CHRIST. Continue to learn of him. If you are in a church where man is the focus where you're told every Sunday what you aren't doing, what you need to change, what sin you need to stop in order for God to fellowship with you. Christ isn't the focus and you are being taught to focus on man. Get in a church where Christ is preached and HE is the center of every message. When you focus on HIM you begin to live by HIS mind, HIS wisdom, HIS strength, HIS joy HIS peace. Those things are NEVER shaken or effected by outward circumstances. Let HIM be your life. The only answer to the dilemma that we face as a society is CHRIST. He is the only thing solid that will not and can not be shaken in the days that are upon us.

I encourage you to visit our website http://www.totalvictoryexperience.com/ or our YouTube page "The Total Victory Exp" we have tons of messages free for you online that will help you during these times.

Stay Encouraged,
Eboni

And They Lived (Mostly) Happily Ever After

My husband and I celebrated our 13 year wedding anniversary this past June. We married June 6, 1998. Over all we have had a great marriage. I am really blessed, but even though I am married to a great man NO marriage is without it's problems. I think marriage and the whole nature of what it is means that there will be some difficulties. Think about it you are taking two separate individuals who decide to come together and create a unified life, The two become one.

One of the challenges that plagues my husband and I is the fact that we are COMPLETE opposites personality wise.  He is a mans man and I am a girly woman. He loves theme parks, bowling, trying different restaurants, and I love theater, plays, museums, romance flicks. I am very affectionate, he is NOT. He loves routine, I like to shake things up. So how do two TOTAL complete opposites make it work. Well for one we are unified in the things that matter most. Things like our Faith and beliefs about God, how we want to raise our children, and career goals. Those are the things that really matter where if we differed we would have some major issues. Secondly, we realized that we two individuals have to come together and make ONE NEW MAN.  We don't fully know what that NEW Man will look like but we are having a blast creating him. He is a combination of both my husband and I. I am committed to remain open to getting to know his world and try new things and he does the same for me. Doing that has made a huge difference in our relationship. Prior to doing this how we interacted with each other was greatly affected by our differences.  Once we realized that was a problem we both through communication and understanding realized we had to create a relationship where BOTH parties personalities are reflected and thrive. Now I can happily say that he is open to do things I like and I am open to do things he likes. We also both have committed to try NEW things that neither of us would normally do.

                               (John and I at Maggiano's on our Anniversary)

Keep in mind no marriage is perfect because it has two imperfect people involved, but you have to learn to focus on your partner's strengths. Actually take the time to ENJOY the things about him that you love. FOCUS on those. Many people miss out on enjoying their spouse because they spend so much time focused on what they don't like. He may not be affectionate, but maybe he loves to shower you with great gifts. He may not be as in to the word as you would want, but he is a great father. You may not be able to be a real housewife of Atlanta :-), but he loves to cook and will clean the house. Focus on the positives about your husband and you will see You two can live Mostly Happily Ever After. :-)

My husband and I celebrated our 13 year wedding anniversary this past June. We married June 6, 1998. Over all we have had a great marriage. I am really blessed, but even though I am married to a great man NO marriage is without it's problems. I think marriage and the whole nature of what it is means that there will be some difficulties. Think about it you are taking two separate individuals who decide to come together and create a unified life, The two become one.

One of the challenges that plagues my husband and I is the fact that we are COMPLETE opposites personality wise.  He is a mans man and I am a girly woman. He loves theme parks, bowling, trying different restaurants, and I love theater, plays, museums, romance flicks. I am very affectionate, he is NOT. He loves routine, I like to shake things up. So how do two TOTAL complete opposites make it work. Well for one we are unified in the things that matter most. Things like our Faith and beliefs about God, how we want to raise our children, and career goals. Those are the things that really matter where if we differed we would have some major issues. Secondly, we realized that we two individuals have to come together and make ONE NEW MAN.  We don't fully know what that NEW Man will look like but we are having a blast creating him. He is a combination of both my husband and I. I am committed to remain open to getting to know his world and try new things and he does the same for me. Doing that has made a huge difference in our relationship. Prior to doing this how we interacted with each other was greatly affected by our differences.  Once we realized that was a problem we both through communication and understanding realized we had to create a relationship where BOTH parties personalities are reflected and thrive. Now I can happily say that he is open to do things I like and I am open to do things he likes. We also both have committed to try NEW things that neither of us would normally do.

                               (John and I at Maggiano's on our Anniversary)

Keep in mind no marriage is perfect because it has two imperfect people involved, but you have to learn to focus on your partner's strengths. Actually take the time to ENJOY the things about him that you love. FOCUS on those. Many people miss out on enjoying their spouse because they spend so much time focused on what they don't like. He may not be affectionate, but maybe he loves to shower you with great gifts. He may not be as in to the word as you would want, but he is a great father. You may not be able to be a real housewife of Atlanta :-), but he loves to cook and will clean the house. Focus on the positives about your husband and you will see You two can live Mostly Happily Ever After. :-)

No my post is NOT about you but if the shoe fits wear it. ;-)

I saw a link on Facebook yesterday that said "No my status is not about you but if the shoe fits feel free to wear it". It had almost 500,000 likes. If you frequent twitter or Facebook I am sure you have either fallen into the category of thinking someones post was about you or had someone think YOU posted about them. I did a blog a few months back called "when you Assume you make a....out of you and me". This was one of my post popular blogs probably because so many people have been bit by assumptions.

Assuming is dangerous for many reasons but here are three. First, many times people respond or make decisions that can alter relationships based off assumptions with NO proof.  Sadly, there are some actions and words that can not be taken back. Secondly, assuming is a sign of pride. Think about it YOU think someone is talking about you... why? Are you the only person they know with this issue? Are you so important that you are the subject of all their conversation? There are so many reasons why a person could have said what they said that may not involve you. Pride says, "Oh they are talking about me". Lastly, assuming causes you to make emotional decisions and most decisions made out of emotions will be the wrong decision. Your head isn't clear to think properly. Take my advice JUST DON'T ASSUME :-). If you think something or wonder something go to the source.

Also, if you have an issue with someone on your page, don't post about it on Facebook.  I know we like to vent on Facebook but don't vent about people who are on your page, LOL :-). If you have something to say to a specific person say it to THAT person with a motive to restore peace. Consider this when YOU post about people on your page you will drive YOURSELF crazy thinking people's post are about you. Why... because most often people think others do what THEY themselves would do. So if you know you post about others you will think others are posting about you. Facebook is a great social outlet to keep you connected to family, friends, and associates, but it is not the avenue to have arguments with people. When used like that it becomes place of gossip and strife. That's when you get this silliness of people cussing each other out, gossiping about others and ending friendships/relationships over Facebook. I know we live in nosey, reality TV, crazed society but your personal affairs should not be aired out to the world. :-).

Enjoy the rest of your day,
EBONI

I saw a link on Facebook yesterday that said "No my status is not about you but if the shoe fits feel free to wear it". It had almost 500,000 likes. If you frequent twitter or Facebook I am sure you have either fallen into the category of thinking someones post was about you or had someone think YOU posted about them. I did a blog a few months back called "when you Assume you make a....out of you and me". This was one of my post popular blogs probably because so many people have been bit by assumptions.

Assuming is dangerous for many reasons but here are three. First, many times people respond or make decisions that can alter relationships based off assumptions with NO proof.  Sadly, there are some actions and words that can not be taken back. Secondly, assuming is a sign of pride. Think about it YOU think someone is talking about you... why? Are you the only person they know with this issue? Are you so important that you are the subject of all their conversation? There are so many reasons why a person could have said what they said that may not involve you. Pride says, "Oh they are talking about me". Lastly, assuming causes you to make emotional decisions and most decisions made out of emotions will be the wrong decision. Your head isn't clear to think properly. Take my advice JUST DON'T ASSUME :-). If you think something or wonder something go to the source.

Also, if you have an issue with someone on your page, don't post about it on Facebook.  I know we like to vent on Facebook but don't vent about people who are on your page, LOL :-). If you have something to say to a specific person say it to THAT person with a motive to restore peace. Consider this when YOU post about people on your page you will drive YOURSELF crazy thinking people's post are about you. Why... because most often people think others do what THEY themselves would do. So if you know you post about others you will think others are posting about you. Facebook is a great social outlet to keep you connected to family, friends, and associates, but it is not the avenue to have arguments with people. When used like that it becomes place of gossip and strife. That's when you get this silliness of people cussing each other out, gossiping about others and ending friendships/relationships over Facebook. I know we live in nosey, reality TV, crazed society but your personal affairs should not be aired out to the world. :-).

Enjoy the rest of your day,
EBONI

Smiling Through The Tears

There is one plus that I think comes from reality shows. The ability to see yourself from a different view. I sometimes watch reality shows and judge the women as IF I myself don't act like that at times. I am realizing (humble pie time) that I have some of the same issues as the women on these shows, I just don't have cameras following me around recording me :-).  Seriously, I wish that I could have a tape that I could play back and actually SEE myself in different situations. I am finding that how the situation went in my head is not always how it actually went. We as society judge these women but really are they that much different than we are. I mean, I may not cuss and fight but the core of what is causing them to act out is emotion, self preservation, love, passion, fear, anger, and at some point I feel all of those things.

At my church my husband (Pastor John Davis) is in the middle of a series of teachings called "The Lie" and "Possessing The Land" that are causing me to realize some tough things about myself. The biggest being I am to alive to what I think, and what I want. I am to attached to MY perspective and perspectives that differ from mine I consider WRONG. I see the world as black and white, right and wrong. What is wrong with that is many times what is black and white, right and wrong are often times SUBJECTIVE. That is what lead me to box people in. I am in a good place right now. I am loving this teaching because it's causing me to see ME. That is what spawned the "yes month". I cried alot today, but now I am smiling through the tears. Sometimes you have to face tough things about yourself and eat alot of humble pie, but it's all for your good. What is even better is I recently realized these things about myself but GOD has known all along and loved me no less. My husband, family and friends have known too and loved me no less. For that I am eternally grateful ;-) THANK GOD FOR GRACE!

For more info on our church or to hear some of the teachings that are making such a difference in my life, visit http://www.totalvictoryexperience.com/ or check out our youtube channel, The TotalVictoryExperience.

There is one plus that I think comes from reality shows. The ability to see yourself from a different view. I sometimes watch reality shows and judge the women as IF I myself don't act like that at times. I am realizing (humble pie time) that I have some of the same issues as the women on these shows, I just don't have cameras following me around recording me :-).  Seriously, I wish that I could have a tape that I could play back and actually SEE myself in different situations. I am finding that how the situation went in my head is not always how it actually went. We as society judge these women but really are they that much different than we are. I mean, I may not cuss and fight but the core of what is causing them to act out is emotion, self preservation, love, passion, fear, anger, and at some point I feel all of those things.

At my church my husband (Pastor John Davis) is in the middle of a series of teachings called "The Lie" and "Possessing The Land" that are causing me to realize some tough things about myself. The biggest being I am to alive to what I think, and what I want. I am to attached to MY perspective and perspectives that differ from mine I consider WRONG. I see the world as black and white, right and wrong. What is wrong with that is many times what is black and white, right and wrong are often times SUBJECTIVE. That is what lead me to box people in. I am in a good place right now. I am loving this teaching because it's causing me to see ME. That is what spawned the "yes month". I cried alot today, but now I am smiling through the tears. Sometimes you have to face tough things about yourself and eat alot of humble pie, but it's all for your good. What is even better is I recently realized these things about myself but GOD has known all along and loved me no less. My husband, family and friends have known too and loved me no less. For that I am eternally grateful ;-) THANK GOD FOR GRACE!

For more info on our church or to hear some of the teachings that are making such a difference in my life, visit http://www.totalvictoryexperience.com/ or check out our youtube channel, The TotalVictoryExperience.

Experience #1 of Just Say Yes :-)

Yesterday I had the first experience of what I call "Just Say Yes Month". I blogged about it in an earlier blog so refer to the blog entitled "Just Say Yes". My son asked if we could go to the movies as a family. Normally I don't do kid movies. I find them boring and I don't enjoy them SO I never took them to the movies. I let their grandmother and God- Mother take them, but my son told me he wanted to see Kung Fu Panda and a friend of the family offered to take him and my daughter, but he asked if we could go as a family and I said ......YES! So we went to the movies and saw it in 3D. It was actually good. I really allowed myself to get into it and enjoy it and I have to tell you seeing a big fat Panda do Kung FU, and do it well might I add, was kind of cool. I even laughed at some of the jokes. So I was not disappointed in the movie but the biggest joy and best part of the experience was seeing my kids. My daughter sat next to my husband and My son sat next to me. They were so happy to have both parents at a movie with them. They really enjoyed it and therefore I really enjoyed it. So my days of saying no to all kid movies are over. My kids are 7 and 8 and I have only gone to 1 movie with them. THEY have gone to lots of movies but not with me. So day 2 of the "JUST SAY YES" experiment was a complete success. :)

Yesterday I had the first experience of what I call "Just Say Yes Month". I blogged about it in an earlier blog so refer to the blog entitled "Just Say Yes". My son asked if we could go to the movies as a family. Normally I don't do kid movies. I find them boring and I don't enjoy them SO I never took them to the movies. I let their grandmother and God- Mother take them, but my son told me he wanted to see Kung Fu Panda and a friend of the family offered to take him and my daughter, but he asked if we could go as a family and I said ......YES! So we went to the movies and saw it in 3D. It was actually good. I really allowed myself to get into it and enjoy it and I have to tell you seeing a big fat Panda do Kung FU, and do it well might I add, was kind of cool. I even laughed at some of the jokes. So I was not disappointed in the movie but the biggest joy and best part of the experience was seeing my kids. My daughter sat next to my husband and My son sat next to me. They were so happy to have both parents at a movie with them. They really enjoyed it and therefore I really enjoyed it. So my days of saying no to all kid movies are over. My kids are 7 and 8 and I have only gone to 1 movie with them. THEY have gone to lots of movies but not with me. So day 2 of the "JUST SAY YES" experiment was a complete success. :)

JUST SAY YES!

Well, I decided to borrow the idea from the Movie "Yes Man" and say YES to everything for a month. I say no to so many things and close myself off from a lot of different experiences, not sure why, no real reason. I guess you get so set in life and routine that you get STUCK there, but I want to shake things up a bit and see where it takes me. I used to be a very rigid person, rigid and set in my ways; and if you didn't fit into my box then you were not on my radar. Thank God for Grace. Since learning about GRACE I find that I am not as judgemental and close minded as I used to be. The world is a big place with so many different people and everyone has a story. Who am I to judge and discredit people because they don't fit into my box. So for the next month I plan to JUST SAY YES. If a friend ask me to go to a Thai restaurant my answer will be yes, if the kids ask to come play kickball as opposed to doing another load of laundry yes, try a new genre of movies, yes...I may even go see Thor with my husband and son instead of the next romance flick. You get the point, my plan is to say yes to everything especially things that I would normally say no to and see where it takes me. :-) I will definitely blog about it so stay tuned.
ILUVMESUMU,

Foreverforgiven1 

Well, I decided to borrow the idea from the Movie "Yes Man" and say YES to everything for a month. I say no to so many things and close myself off from a lot of different experiences, not sure why, no real reason. I guess you get so set in life and routine that you get STUCK there, but I want to shake things up a bit and see where it takes me. I used to be a very rigid person, rigid and set in my ways; and if you didn't fit into my box then you were not on my radar. Thank God for Grace. Since learning about GRACE I find that I am not as judgemental and close minded as I used to be. The world is a big place with so many different people and everyone has a story. Who am I to judge and discredit people because they don't fit into my box. So for the next month I plan to JUST SAY YES. If a friend ask me to go to a Thai restaurant my answer will be yes, if the kids ask to come play kickball as opposed to doing another load of laundry yes, try a new genre of movies, yes...I may even go see Thor with my husband and son instead of the next romance flick. You get the point, my plan is to say yes to everything especially things that I would normally say no to and see where it takes me. :-) I will definitely blog about it so stay tuned.
ILUVMESUMU,

Foreverforgiven1 

Are ALL women catty?

Yes ladies I am going there..... because as women we have this stereotype that follows us that we are all catty. I hear far to often when talking to women about friendships and their lack thereof what I call the famous line of women..."I don't have female friends because women are catty or women keep up to much mess" The thought that always comes to my mind is....aren't YOU a woman so does that mean you are catty and keep up mess? It's funny how we are classic for pointing the finger at others but unwilling to see the part that WE play in why women have such difficult times getting along. I believe the problem is that as women we are emotional and to often lead by what we feel. When led by feelings the focus is always on SELF.

One of the things I have learned when issues come up between me and another woman is....try and see the situation through her eyes. Forgiveness flows where there is understanding. This may sound simple but it makes a huge difference. This small gesture is a natural buffer against you and OFFENSE. It defuses situations naturally. A lot of the things that women argue over are easily fixable if we would try and see the situation through her eyes. Seeing it through her eyes detaches you from how you feel, gets the focus off of you, and allows you to see the full picture. As women we are very in touch with our feelings and how things make us feel, and many times our feelings will become our reality. They AREN'T reality but they are OUR reality. What we have to remember is emotions aren't fact they are just feelings trying to get you to move in a certain direction . Just because it FEELS real doesn't necessarily make it so. Pausing to see the situation through the other person's eyes helps you weed through the emotions of the situation and get to the root of what's really going on; taking account of both people's perspectives.


MANY of the catty arguments and fall outs we have with women on our job, in our churches, and other areas of our lives are small and EASILY fixable. The reason men don't argue and bicker like women is because they don't internalize everything emotionally. Only thinking about yourself in a situation and how YOU feel is why women have such a hard time getting along. We are to touchy and easily offended. That's why we have so many little issues that become mountains. I say this all the time, a "NENE" type personality works on TV but in real life, all that drama is toxic.

Smooches Lovely People :-),
Foreverforgiven1

Yes ladies I am going there..... because as women we have this stereotype that follows us that we are all catty. I hear far to often when talking to women about friendships and their lack thereof what I call the famous line of women..."I don't have female friends because women are catty or women keep up to much mess" The thought that always comes to my mind is....aren't YOU a woman so does that mean you are catty and keep up mess? It's funny how we are classic for pointing the finger at others but unwilling to see the part that WE play in why women have such difficult times getting along. I believe the problem is that as women we are emotional and to often lead by what we feel. When led by feelings the focus is always on SELF.

One of the things I have learned when issues come up between me and another woman is....try and see the situation through her eyes. Forgiveness flows where there is understanding. This may sound simple but it makes a huge difference. This small gesture is a natural buffer against you and OFFENSE. It defuses situations naturally. A lot of the things that women argue over are easily fixable if we would try and see the situation through her eyes. Seeing it through her eyes detaches you from how you feel, gets the focus off of you, and allows you to see the full picture. As women we are very in touch with our feelings and how things make us feel, and many times our feelings will become our reality. They AREN'T reality but they are OUR reality. What we have to remember is emotions aren't fact they are just feelings trying to get you to move in a certain direction . Just because it FEELS real doesn't necessarily make it so. Pausing to see the situation through the other person's eyes helps you weed through the emotions of the situation and get to the root of what's really going on; taking account of both people's perspectives.


MANY of the catty arguments and fall outs we have with women on our job, in our churches, and other areas of our lives are small and EASILY fixable. The reason men don't argue and bicker like women is because they don't internalize everything emotionally. Only thinking about yourself in a situation and how YOU feel is why women have such a hard time getting along. We are to touchy and easily offended. That's why we have so many little issues that become mountains. I say this all the time, a "NENE" type personality works on TV but in real life, all that drama is toxic.

Smooches Lovely People :-),
Foreverforgiven1

When You Assume you make an ....out of You and Me :-)

There is a saying "when you ASSUME you make an .... out of U and ME. It is a play on words but actually very true. When I started this blog I said my purpose was to allow others access into the things God has taught me as I am on the Journey of Life in Christ. One of the things that I have learned that I think would really help women is NOT to assume. I have found in my own personal life that it is best not to assume what a person feels, or why they feel a certain way, or to supply the why behind a person's action. There are 2 things wrong with assuming.

One, when you assume you always assume based on YOUR thoughts and how YOU would act. The problem with this train of thought is everyone is not like you. This is a lesson that I have learned and realized about myself through a dear friend of mine. He helped me to see that everyone doesn't fit in my little box. The world is a big place with all different kinds of people and I can't assume everyone thinks like me or would handle a situation how I would. Here is another BIG lesson I have learned....I also can't JUDGE or get upset with a person because they don't handle something how I think they should.

The second thing wrong with assuming is..... it places a judgement on a person and we aren't God so we only see in part. When we assume we ascribe a MOTIVE to someones actions and we really don't know a person's heart. We can't judge a person based on what WE perceive. They have a whole life outside of us and there are so many other reasons why they could have said what they said or done what they did that actually DON'T involve us.

Listen, here is what I know about the devil. He loves to keep strife and division among the brethren. He loves to see you fighting with your family members, church members, co-workers, people you know. He loves division and disorder, and a person's mind who assumes things is a playground for the enemy. I don't live my life like that. It is to stressful. I can't live wondering where my husband is, assuming he is doing this or that because he walked out the room to have a telephone conversation; or assuming this person was talking about me because of a post on Face Book, or even assuming I know WHY someone posted what they posted. Assuming this group of people doesn't like me because when I walked in the room they stopped talking. Assuming the Pastor is preaching on me because he said something in the message that hit home in my life. People that is exhausting and draining and it makes for a very unhappy life.

So what has God taught me? To go to the source. I am not saying ignore everything because that is not wise but I am saying before you allow your mind to run wild with assumptions just GO to the person and ask. Give people the benefit of the doubt. It is always better to just go to a person and ask. Ladies especially with men. Assuming is a HUGE pet peeve of men. When you treat them like you are the judge and jury without giving them a chance to explain. Trust me on this learning this will keep down so many arguments in your relationship. Give them an opportunity to explain before you jump the gun in your thinking. You will have a lot more peace if you learn this lesson. GIVE PEOPLE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.

Isn't that an attribute of love anyway?   LOVE ......thinks no evil;  does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;  bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1Cor 13:5-7 (emphasis added)
Love BELIEVES the BEST about people. We shouldn't always assume the worst about people. It's not fair to them. Adapting these priciples won't keep you from ever experienceing strife with people BUT it will keep strife out of YOUR heart and mind. You are only responsible for you and you don't want to live like that.

Smooches lovely people,
Foreverforgiven1
http://www.totalvictoryexperience.com/

There is a saying "when you ASSUME you make an .... out of U and ME. It is a play on words but actually very true. When I started this blog I said my purpose was to allow others access into the things God has taught me as I am on the Journey of Life in Christ. One of the things that I have learned that I think would really help women is NOT to assume. I have found in my own personal life that it is best not to assume what a person feels, or why they feel a certain way, or to supply the why behind a person's action. There are 2 things wrong with assuming.

One, when you assume you always assume based on YOUR thoughts and how YOU would act. The problem with this train of thought is everyone is not like you. This is a lesson that I have learned and realized about myself through a dear friend of mine. He helped me to see that everyone doesn't fit in my little box. The world is a big place with all different kinds of people and I can't assume everyone thinks like me or would handle a situation how I would. Here is another BIG lesson I have learned....I also can't JUDGE or get upset with a person because they don't handle something how I think they should.

The second thing wrong with assuming is..... it places a judgement on a person and we aren't God so we only see in part. When we assume we ascribe a MOTIVE to someones actions and we really don't know a person's heart. We can't judge a person based on what WE perceive. They have a whole life outside of us and there are so many other reasons why they could have said what they said or done what they did that actually DON'T involve us.

Listen, here is what I know about the devil. He loves to keep strife and division among the brethren. He loves to see you fighting with your family members, church members, co-workers, people you know. He loves division and disorder, and a person's mind who assumes things is a playground for the enemy. I don't live my life like that. It is to stressful. I can't live wondering where my husband is, assuming he is doing this or that because he walked out the room to have a telephone conversation; or assuming this person was talking about me because of a post on Face Book, or even assuming I know WHY someone posted what they posted. Assuming this group of people doesn't like me because when I walked in the room they stopped talking. Assuming the Pastor is preaching on me because he said something in the message that hit home in my life. People that is exhausting and draining and it makes for a very unhappy life.

So what has God taught me? To go to the source. I am not saying ignore everything because that is not wise but I am saying before you allow your mind to run wild with assumptions just GO to the person and ask. Give people the benefit of the doubt. It is always better to just go to a person and ask. Ladies especially with men. Assuming is a HUGE pet peeve of men. When you treat them like you are the judge and jury without giving them a chance to explain. Trust me on this learning this will keep down so many arguments in your relationship. Give them an opportunity to explain before you jump the gun in your thinking. You will have a lot more peace if you learn this lesson. GIVE PEOPLE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.

Isn't that an attribute of love anyway?   LOVE ......thinks no evil;  does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;  bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1Cor 13:5-7 (emphasis added)
Love BELIEVES the BEST about people. We shouldn't always assume the worst about people. It's not fair to them. Adapting these priciples won't keep you from ever experienceing strife with people BUT it will keep strife out of YOUR heart and mind. You are only responsible for you and you don't want to live like that.

Smooches lovely people,
Foreverforgiven1
http://www.totalvictoryexperience.com/